Meridian Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Common types of driver distractions

There are many different types of behaviors that can be considered distracted driving. Below are some of the most common examples:

Texting or talking on the phone (Even with hands-free devices)

Texting or talking on the phone is the most obvious example of distracted driving. However, it can be almost as distracting to text or talk on the phone using a hands-free device. While it may not be prohibited under Mississippi law, that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous and can lead to accidents and civil liability.

Using in-car technology like GPS or radios

Many vehicles come equipped with advanced screens, GPS systems, and confusing radios. Inputting an address, scrolling for a new station, or just adjusting the volume can take your eyes off the road. Not focusing on the road, just for a moment, can increase the chances of an accident.

Eating or drinking behind the wheel

Understandably, many people eat or drink while driving - whether they're rushing between appointments or dropping their kids off before going to work, there's sometimes no time to stop for a full meal. Still, this can take attention away from the road and take your hands off the wheel, both of which are dangerous.

Talking to or disciplining passengers or children

It’s difficult to have demanding conversations, resolve disputes, or administer discipline in a moving vehicle. Engaging with passengers (especially young children who need attention) distracts drivers from watching the road and can even physically shift their focus toward the backseat rather than on driving safely.

Reaching for items inside the vehicle

Dropping a purse, phone, or keys and stretching to pick them up means taking at least one hand completely off the wheel. These simple moments often result in the vehicle drifting into other lanes or running through traffic signs and lights.

Personal grooming (Like applying makeup or shaving)

Trying to finish personal grooming, like applying makeup or doing your hair, while in the car is another type of dangerous distracted driving. This forces a driver's hands off the wheel and certainly takes their attention away from operating the vehicle safely.

Looking at objects outside the vehicle (“rubbernecking”)

When drivers turn their heads to look at another crash, or even billboards on the side of the road, this is called "rubbernecking." While this is incredibly common, especially when traffic slows due to an accident, it's still dangerous and takes drivers' focus off the road.